A JEALOUS husband slashed his wife's throat after she told him she was leaving for another man.

James Greenall, 49, today admitted murdering former model wife Susan, 46, at their home in Harlow Close, St Helens.

Liverpool crown court heard that Greenall, a labourer and part-time compere at Windle Labour Club, had encouraged his wife to have sex with other men while he watched.

John Bromley-Davenport QC, prosecuting, told the court that in the days before Mrs Greenall's death, the mother of two had told him she was having an affair with one of the men and she wanted to leave Greenall.

The pair argued after drinking alcohol on November 17 last year. Greenall grabbed her by the throat and dragged her on to the floor.

Greenall strangled her until she was unconscious and used a craft knife blade to slit her throat.

Greenall then called his son and told police he had killed his wife.

Mr Bromley-Davenport said the killer told detectives he wanted Mrs Greenall just for himself.

The court was told the couple had had violent arguments in the past.

Neil Flewitt QC, defending, told the court Green-all idolised his wife and had been extremely distressed when she told him she wanted to leave.

Judge Gerald Clifton jailed Greenall for life and ordered him to serve a minimum term of nine years and 206 days before he will be eligible for parole.

Speaking outside court, detective inspector Mike Murray said: " These tragic events have had an impact on the family. "Only James Greenall knows why he did what he did that night and our thoughts at the moment are with the children."